Michigan State University’s Charles Drew Science Scholars program is the recipient of the 2019 Inspiring Programs in STEM Award from INSIGHT IntoDiversity magazine, the largest and oldest diversity and inclusion publication in higher education.
The award honors colleges and universities that encourage and assist students from underrepresented groups to enter the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics, or STEM.
The winners were selected based on efforts to inspire and encourage a new generation of young people to consider careers in STEM through mentoring, teaching, research and successful programs and initiatives.
The scholars program, an initiative of the College of Natural Science, will be featured along with 49 other recipients in the September 2019 issue of INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine.
Phillip Duxbury, College of Natural Science dean, congratulated the program’s director Jerry Caldwell and his team for their excellent work leading to this well-deserved recognition.
“The program serves a broad spectrum of underrepresented STEM undergraduate students at MSU and is a cornerstone of NatSci’s efforts to increase and sustain a diverse, equitable and inclusive community where all backgrounds and social identities are represented and valued,” Duxbury said. “The innovative practices utilized by the Drew program are effective at increasing retention and graduation rates amongst this critical student population and serve as a model for future programs across the college.”
The program was selected for its 40-year history of supporting the academic success and well-being of nearly 2,000 underrepresented minority students since the 1970s.
“We know that many STEM programs are not always recognized for their success, dedication and mentorship for underrepresented students,” said Lenore Pearlstein, owner and publisher of INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine. “We want to honor the schools and organizations that have created programs that inspire and encourage young people who may currently be in or are interested in a future career in STEM. We are proud to honor these programs as role models to other institutions of higher education and beyond.”
For more information about the 2019 Inspiring Programs in STEM Award and INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine, visit here.